Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her — Ephesians 5:25

Dear Friends and Family,

For the first time in what seems quite awhile I feel like I am ending this month and approaching the new month with real expectancy and hope that things are moving forward: away from covid, away from elections and riots and towards something more real and full promise.  Numbers of covid have been going down dramatically here in Uganda and the rest of the world is beginning their vaccines. Ministry outreaches and new studies are taking place and we now have freedom to gather together in large numbers once again.

This month has been a very exciting month for us here, especially at Arise Christian Fellowship.  The restrictions for church meetings have been relaxed quite a lot.  The children and I are now able to attend every service.  There still is no Sunday school allowed but we are just rejoicing to be there full time fellowshipping and worshiping with the body of Christ, our church family.  The church is still meeting outdoors in the gardens as the social distancing mandates are still in effect.  It is a good thing though because every service we have been to has been a full house or more.  With social distancing we would not be able to all fit in the church sanctuary indoors.  This month we had an afterglow with worship, prayer and communion. 

We are so thankful for how the Lord has provided and kept us all safe during these months or should I say year of lockdowns.  Our church can be very charismatic when it comes to worship but this afterglow was more than what I normally experience from the congregation.  It was like the flood gates of worship had been opened and every thankful, loved heart was being poured out as an offering before the Lord. It was quite emotional for me.  I cried tears of happiness to be once again in fellowship, I cried tears of joy to see the heart of worship of the People at Arise, and I wept during communion for the love Jesus showed us on the cross and continues to show us everyday through every circumstance we face.  We had not had real communion since the churches reopened because one of the covid mandates for church was no eating or drinking or open items during church service.  We were able to order these sealed communion cups that had the bread sealed with it.  This meant each person had their own unopened communion and we could pray and take communion together as a body but still fulfilling the no sharing food or drink rules.

Another fun event that took place at Arise Christian Fellowship this month was an Album launch.  The keyboard player for our church, Eddie Mwesiga, is a very talented musician.  He plays many instruments but keyboard and saxophone are his specialties.  Eddie plays all over Uganda for events and weddings.  He also writes many of his own worship songs.  Recently he has launched a follow up album to his last album Suubi.  His newest song is a remake of a Luganda worship song called, Tumutendereza Yesu.  The name means, “we worship /praise you Jesus”.  The church members are very supportive of him and turned up in big numbers to encourage and participate in his launch.  Some of the guys even joined him up front to dance along in worship.  We are looking forward to how the Lord will continue to use Eddie and his gift for music to reach the people of Uganda for Christ.

A very exciting occasion happened this month.  Our missionary to South Sudan, Ivan, got engaged.  We have been praying for him for a very long time.  He had once been engaged and tragically lost her during the 2010 terrorist bombings here in Kampala.  We are praising God that in his timing he brought Acen to Ivan.  Ivan brought her down to Kampala to introduce her to his family and to Arise.  There was much celebrating that day.  Ivan led worship and shared how they met and officially introduced her to his home church family.  Brian prayed for them and the whole church lifted hands and prayed for them.  Their wedding will be sometime towards the end of this year.

Thank you for praying for our family and for the ministry in Uganda.

In Him,

                           Brian, Jill, Luke, Laylee, and Liana

PRAYER REQUESTS

• Thank the Lord for the Good things He has done! Praise Him for all He still will do!
• Pray for Arise Christian Fellowship and all the ministries they serve alongside  as they look forward to what the Lord is going to do this year.
• Pray for many opportunities for outreach and the sharing of the gospel. Pray restrictions continue to lift so more ministry can take place.
• Pray for Jill and the children as they continue to figure out the rhythm for this  school year .
• Pray for Eddie and the gift God has given him for music and writing songs. Pray that many will be blessed by him.
• Pray for the Kanyike family to remain healthy and safe.
• Pray for Brian as pastors and leads the ministry team at Arise Christian Fellowship.
• Please prayerfully consider becoming part of the Kanyike Family support team.

“From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” … As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” —Ephesians 4:16

Dear Friends and Family,

As I continue to look forward to what this year holds for our ministry the Lord has reminded me that it is not just “our” ministry.  It has caused me to reflect over the things the Lord has already done and the people he has brought in our lives along the way.  We, Christians, are truly one body, Christ’s Body.  In Uganda, Brian pastors Arise Christian Fellowship, but we work together with many other churches and pastors.  We spend time helping to build up their congregations and communities as we also receive encouragement and counsel from them.  While there are so many people who bless us daily and support us through their wisdom and spiritual giftings, I wanted to mention a few that we work with most closely and Brian even is part of some of their boards. 

Calvary Chapel Entebbe is near the airport, right on Lake Victoria in Uganda, about one hour from us.  I am blessed to have been a part of that church from the beginning, when the missionaries who planted it were still meeting at their home. Those missionaries, Craig and Loren, are actually the ones who did premarital counseling for Brian and me.  Over the years we have done many conferences and outreaches together as well as covering for each other on Sundays when need be.  Not too long ago the church as turned over to an Ugandan pastor, Isaac.  Brian still sits on their board and the sweet fellowship and encouragement continues.

The fellowship at Calvary Chapel Fort Portal really feels like an extension of our own church or our church as an extension of theirs.  Fort Portal is about 6 hours west of Kampala but the distance seems like nothing compared to how closely we have always served Jesus together.  Some people may not know this but Brian and I actually lived there for about 5 months the first year we were married.  Every June, except this past Covid June I help put on a women’s conference and Brian teaches at the church.  Our worship team and theirs often collaborate together for conferences or youth outreach.  Brian and I did the premarital counseling for the senior pastor Nicolas and his wife Grace and we are the God parents to his assistant’s children.  We usually visit there and serve a couple times of year as well as they come and minister at Arise when they are in Kampala.

Calvary Chapel Cush is in Nimule South Sudan, at the Far Reaching Ministries Chaplain compound.  The pastor is Michael. Needless to say they are like family to me since we have grown together since I moved here almost 22 years ago.  I love being in South Sudan as their desire to learn the Word of God and their joy in the Lord despite the suffering they have gone through and continue to go through is encouraging and inspiring.  Since Calvary Chapel Cush is quite far, about 11 hours from Kampala, we don’t get there as often as we would like but we try to at least once a year.  When we go we fill the time with all sorts of ministry and fellowship.  Any conference or out reach produces hundreds of people hungry for the gospel.  Since many things are not available in South Sudan Brian helps with the logistics from here in Uganda to make sure they have the supplies or whatever they may need. The pastors, missionaries and staff stay with us at the guest house when they are in Kampala so we fellowship with one another throughout the year.

Through the close fellowship we have with these churches and their pastors we have also been able to be a part of church plants and out reaches all over Uganda and South Sudan.  Through their visits and testimonies to Arise our church has been given a love and vision for church planting and out reach.  While we are not physically together all the time we are one body working together.

This past month was elections not only in USA but also in Uganda.  The elections are over but the contesting of votes and rioting is still going on.  Our president, President Museveni won for another term.  To keep violence and wrong doing down there has been a very heavy military presence all over Kampala.  2 houses down from us the government moved some offices in so now our road has pick up trucks of police and soldiers on it.  Brian said it should make us feel safe.  We are praying it all settles before the inauguration in May.

In Family news, this past month Liana turned seven.  I can hardly believe that my baby is that old.  Also, This month e children and I started a new school year. In Uganda the school year begins end of January.  The whole of Uganda closed schools last February and only the graduating classes have returned.  Homeschooling has allowed us to stay on course and keep busy during the lockdowns.  I pray for the children in Uganda and around the world who do not have that opportunity during this time.

Thank you for praying for our family and for the ministry in Uganda.

In Him,

             Brian, Jill, Luke, Laylee, and Liana

PRAYER REQUESTS

• Thank the Lord for the Good things He has done! Praise Him for all He still will do!
• Pray for Arise Christian Fellowship and all the ministries they serve alongside as they look forward to what the Lord is going to do this year.
• Pray for the many church plants in Uganda and South Sudan. Pray for them to continue to frow spiritually and to multiply.
• Pray for Jill and the children as they continue to figure out the rhythm for this new schools year .
• Pray for Uganda as they conclude the elections and for no more riots.
• Pray for the Kanyike family to remain healthy and safe.
• Pray for Brian as pastors and leads the ministry team at Arise Christian Fellowship.
• Please prayerfully consider becoming part of the Kanyike Family support team.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.        Lamentations 3:22-23

Dear Friends and Family,

2021! Only God knows what this new year is going to hold for all of us.  We are praying that there are great things in store and that many opportunities to share the love of Christ and the Gospel will present themselves.  I believe the important thing is to live each day for Him, expecting those opportunities. And while they may not always be as we planned or hoped, they will be there.

One of the most exciting things that has happened recently is that the children and I were able to attend the Christmas Eve service and dinner at church.  Since the government allowed the reopening of churches they have kept a ban on children under 12 attending, unless they are an infant being carried.  On Christmas Eve, since it was a dinner as well as the service and carols, we were allowed to attend because it was considered a restaurant setting as well as being out doors.  We were not sure up unto the last few days before if it was allowed.  As soon as we got the ok, Luke began to learn a new song on the piano and with only 3 days of practice was able to play it as part of the service.

It was very emotional to be back at church with the church family all gathered together in one place and to sing and be in God’s Word together.   We have been able to get together at homes here and there with some church members and of course we read the Bible and worship together at home. But there is just something wondrous that happens when you actually can meet together as a complete body.  I believe that is why Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Normally on Christmas Eve we have a huge neighborhood outreach and children’s activities but because of the covid restrictions that was not allowed this year.  We still wanted to bless as many people as we could, especially because so many have been really affected and suffering this year because of all the issues surrounding Covid.  At the church we hosted a meal for those who could be there and invited their families as well.  For most that was their Christmas.

Since there are many people in our church and the neighboring slums that are considered at risk, they could not attend the church service and dinner.  With the help of Brian’s family’s chicken farm and another couple in our church who raise and sell chickens, as well as our supporters who provided the money, we were able to deliver a Christmas gift of chicken to many families who would have gone with out this year.  In Uganda, Christmas and Easter are often the only 2 times in a year some people get to eat chicken.

Before covid, Arise Christian Fellowship had more children then adults.  Since the government is not allowing them at church we have been trying to minister to them where they live.  The assistant pastor, Deo, lives right near many children, he has been doing a Bible club with them every week.  For Christmas my children gave those children gifts of youth discipleship books for the older children and coloring books for the younger children and candy for everyone.  They miss seeing their friends all the time so they were very joyful to be able to give something.  At the kids party we also fed them a Christmas meal and had carols, teaching and games.   We are so thankful for those who helped us to make Christmas special for so many people this year despite covid .  We are praying that the remembrance of Christ’s birth and the hope that surrounds Him will encourage everyone to keep pressing forward with hope and anticipation of what the Lord will do next.

This past month Uganda was preparing for elections.  It has brought quite a bit of unrest and some days of terrible violence.  We ask that you please pray for Uganda and for safety during this time as well as peaceful election results, during and after.

Thank you for praying for our family and for the people of Uganda.

              In Him,

              Brian, Jill, Luke, Laylee, and Liana

PRAYER REQUESTS

· Thank the Lord for the Good things He has done!

· Praise the Lord for the wonderful things that are happening despite the Covid-19.

· Pray for  Arise Christian Fellowship and the Kanyikes as they look forward to what the Lord is going to do this year.

· Pray for everyone who was reached during the Christmas season, that they would know the love of Christ and have hope for the future.

· Pray for Jill as she plans and prepares to teach the next year of the children’s school.

· Pray for Uganda as they are campaigning for elections and it often turns riotous.

· Pray for the Kanyike family to remain healthy and safe.

· Pray for Brian as pastors and leads the ministry team at Arise Christian Fellowship.

· Please prayerfully consider becoming part of the Kanyike Family support team.

Dear Friends and Family,

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

We would like to thank all of you for blessing us through your support and prayer for our family and for the ministry in Uganda.  This has been a hard and unusual year for most of the world.  With the difficulties we have been blessed with many good times and experiences as well.  This year has led us and the church to pray like never before and I believe if nothing else we have  all drawn closer to the Lord.  You are all in our thoughts and prayers as we enter this new year. God Bless You this holiday season as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus!

In Him,
Brian, Jill,
Luke, Laylee,
and Liana

PRAYER REQUESTS

Pray for God’s direction for Arise Christian Fellowship and all the ministries in 2021.

Pray for an end to Covid. Pray for health  and safety during Covid and the Elections in Uganda

Pray for us to raise our children for the Lord, balancing home and ministry.

Please pray about joining our support team in this upcoming year.

  …You shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8

Dear Friends and Family,

We are praying for all of you, in you area of the world.  Some days, as I watch the news it is hard to believe that it is actually the news and not a science fiction movie. I could never have imagined that one day this would be what the world we live in is like. As the world continues to fight off the effects of Corona virus we have been trying to help those who are further from any type of help or assistance then we are being in Kampala.  Uganda is still under many restrictions.  The number of cases is rising steadily as well as deaths.  Due to these circumstances travel is restricted and there is a strict curfew.

The Far Reaching Ministries guesthouse where we live is well known to many missionaries around Uganda for many reasons.  We host teams through out the year that often go to other parts of Uganda and Sudan to serve alongside some of these missionaries.  We also have weekly Bible studies that host people from many different churches as well as quite a few missionaries.  Because of this we have been sort of a central logistics center for those needing help during this pandemic.  A lot of the assistance we have been able to give is office type work: helping missionaries submit paperwork, helping with banking, buying medicines and making inquiries.  Besides office work, we have been able to be a supply gathering place for some missionaries.  Due to the curfew we are under missionaries who live quite far from Kampala cannot drive to Kampala, shop for their supplies and return to their homes all in one day. 

To help with this they have been able to order their supplies over the phone or online then have them delivered to us and we arrange transport, usually a boda boda, to deliver their supplies to them. We have also been able to help coordinate doctor trips, homeschooling supplies and tips, as well as advise those returning from abroad about what they need and the ins and outs of quarantine since we also went through that when we returned in March. We are blessed to live in such a convenient place where we are able to help others. During this time a verse from 1 Cortinthians really stood out to me:

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted. by God.”

As we have been trying to help the people from our church through this difficult time as they face hunger and poverty, we have been blessed by my  home church and Far Reaching Ministries who have given donations to help us help them.  Last month these donations went out to help others as well.  Through donations from FRM we were able to help a ministry in Northern Uganda. Combined Harvest Ministries  is run by Moses Ouni, who is a missions coordinator and IBS instructor.  He said that they have used the donations as an opportunity for door to door  evangelism. “Our approach is to reach a place, tell them why we are there and give the food. Afterwards we interact with the group or family for a while before sharing the Word and praying with them, then departing. Enforcement of Social distancing and small gatherings is higher in towns so we try to be very careful on how many we minister to per time so there is no over crowding.” In Kampala, we have had the same issues with trying to minister to as many as we can with out doing so in crowds because the president has said anyone causing a crowd to gather during this pandemic will be charged with attempted murder.

The people of South Sudan have been severely devastated through this pandemic.  With all the borders closed it has been difficult for them to receive food and the assistance they normally receive from countries such as Uganda.  With funding from FRM we were able to arrange a food distribution through Calvary Chapel Nimule that has reached over 1000 people.  Pastor Michael told us that some of the homes they visited had not eaten for many days before they reached them.  He said that they used each visit to minister to the believers and share the gospel with the unbelievers and to pray for each household.  Pastor Michael said that many unbelievers after seeing God provide for them after days of not eating caused them to come to believe.  If it had not been for this pandemic and the extreme circumstances that people are finding themselves in, many of these homes would not have let Christians or evangelists in but now they have received salvation for themselves. We pray that many more would come to know Christ as they continue visiting homes and providing food.  We pray that these men and women would grow strong in their faith and in turn reach out to others with the love of Christ.

Thank you for praying for our family and for the ministry in Uganda and South Sudan.

In Him,                                                                                

Brian, Jill, Luke, Laylee, and Liana

PRAYER REQUESTS

· Praise the Lord for the wonderful things that are happening despite the Covid-19.

· Praise the Lord for the provision to help those who are suffering.

· Pray for the World during this time of Covid 19.  Pray for many people to turn to the Lord during this time.

· Pray for all the missionaries around Uganda to be able to get the supplies and necessities they need.

· Pray for those in Northern Uganda and South Sudan beig reached through the food distribution. Pray for many to come to Christ.

· Pray for the Kanyike family to continue to know how to  best minister  to the church and community during this time.

· Pray for the Kanyike family to remain healthy and safe.

· Pray for Brian as pastors and leads the ministry team at Arise Christian Fellowship.

· Please prayerfully consider becoming part of the Kanyike Family support team.

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10

Dear Friends and Family,

We continue to pray for you all as 2020 seems to continue to challenge and test us.  Things in Uganda are continuing to be difficult.  This path month Uganda recorded its first Covid death and now it is up to 7. Uganda was put at a level three threat which means that there are community cases that cannot trace the origin of transmission. On top of Covid there have been many natural disasters and crime, kidnapping and domestic abuse is on the rise. Many people are truly suffering and are tempted to lose hope.  What the Lord has really been teaching us through this is 2 basic Biblical truths.  1st, love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength.  If our eyes are not on the Lord, where does our hope come from?  2nd, Love your neighbor as yourself.  We are very blessed to have continued to receive support from our FRM and SGWM families during a time when so many have lost their jobs and cannot provide.  We cannot keep those blessings to ourselves.  While we cannot help every suffering person in Uganda or even in Kampala we can help some of them.

As we have tried to reach out and help the most vulnerable and suffering around us God has been faithful to show us the way and to provide.  A beautiful testimony of how He works is a friend from my church in California contacted me, that she had been contacted from a friend of hers in Germany who supports a ministry here in Kampala.  Her friend was asking for prayer for a young girl who had suffered from domestic violence that led to her getting pregnant.  She had just delivered but had absolutely nothing. She had no clothes for the baby and not even a blanket to cover him with.  Well right before we left for the States for my dad’s funeral I had organized all of my kids baby and small things to sell but since we have not been able to have open markets and such to sell things because of covid I still have everything. I had a bag with little baby clothes, cloth diapers, towels and blankets, etc.  We were able to arrange for all of these things to be delivered to the young new mother with in hours of receiving the message.  God worked all of the details out and we continue to pray for the girl, her baby and her family.

Pretty much daily since we returned from the States in March Brian has been constantly on the phone trying to minister to church members and listen to their needs and what they are going through.  Sometimes all they need is some counsel and to be reminded of God’s love and promises.  Other times they have serious needs that if not met would lead to serious consequences.  We have been trying our best to pray for them and help in whatever way we can. 

This past month we were gifted with 2 months provision of food and soap for every member of our church.  God is so faithful.  To see and hear the expressions of gratitude and spontaneous outbursts of praise for God’s love and sustenance is amazing.  Another blessing we saw out of this provision for the church members is their desire to also want to reach out and help others with what they have been given, A family member deep in the village who can not care for themselves, a neighbor whose husband abandoned her and their many children when he lost his job because of covid.  It has been a blessing to be able to help and even more of a blessing to see those being blessed, blessing others. Acts 20:35 tells us, “… And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

The government of Uganda is requiring all Ugandans to wear a mask when ever they are out side of their own compound as well as to socially distance.  If you go out into the city center none of this is taking place.  People believe there is no covid and because so many are suffering are trying to make money.  An interesting sight I have seen is someone selling masks with out wearing a mask.  Because the cases are rising quickly and deaths are now there the government has now issued this warning, “It is now illegal to be found in public not wearing a mask. You will either pay a fine of 20,000/= or serve 6 months in prison” We are praying that people would take the government and covid seriously, they have suffered enough without now having to pay a fine or go to prison for just not wearing a mask.  On that note many people have been creative with mask wearing.

Thank you for praying for our family and for the ministry in Uganda.

In Him,

Brian, Jill, Luke, Laylee, and Liana

PRAYER REQUESTS

· Praise the Lord for the wonderful things that are happening despite the Covid-19.

· Praise the Lord for the provision to help those who are suffering.

· Pray for the World during this time of Covid 19.  Pray for many people to turn to the Lord during this time.

· Pray for the young lady who just gave birth.  Pray for her safety and for her and her family to know Christ.

· Pray for the Kanyike family to continue to know how to  best minister  to the church and community during this time.

· Pray for the Kanyike family to be healthy and safe.

· Pray for Brian as pastors and leads the ministry team at Arise Christian Fellowship.

· Please prayerfully consider becoming part of the Kanyike Family support team.

Train up a child in the way he should go,
And when he is old he will not depart from it.

—Proverbs 22:6

Dear Friends and Family,

I never would thought that after all these months we would still be dealing with Covid.  It now seems like years ago that we were visiting America and taking the kids to    Disneyland.  I was actually just the beginning of this year and now the world, Uganda, is such a different place.  Uganda started off with almost no cases and now seems to be   having more and more cases daily.  To be honest it is just starting to get scary here as we begin to hear about cases near us and in the city.  I have to try to stay away from the news and focus and the positive things that are happening.

One of the best part of this lockdown has been homeschooling my kids.  I have always homeschooled them but normally I am doing 101 other things as well.  At this time I have been able to give them almost undivided attention and to catch up from where we were a little behind because of my dad’s funeral.  

It is so interesting that much of the world has had to experience homeschooling as well during this time.  I feel blessed that I was used to homeschooling and well prepared when all the schools (and everything else) were suddenly closed.  It isn’t always easy but has always been my choice and joy to do. 

I really have been praying for those who found themselves homeschool teachers unexpectedly. In Uganda many parents who have never received a proper education themselves, have found themselves in the place of teacher for their children, probably till the new year begins next February.  Uganda has tried their best to help.  They have been putting classes on the radio, on TV, and in the newspaper.  The presidents wife, who is the head of Education, had this to say as an encouragement to parents, “Spend time with your learners to develop their values and positive attitudes. Tell them stories, riddles, and other life lessons, and support their learning. Help your learners to make a craft or develop an innovation.” The president as well encouraged parents in one of his messages that not all learning is book learning, take this time to teach life skills such as farming, mechanics, cooking, etc. From what I have been able to find out many parents, no matter of their education have been trying.

At the bottom of the hill on which we live there is one of the largest open markets in Uganda.  Next to that market is a very large slum area.  Many of the people from Arise Christian Fellowship come from that market and from those slums.  Twice since the lockdown in Uganda began we have been able to help out church members and their families with food and basic necessities.  We have wanted to help others but did not know how to go about it because there was a law made that if you were caught providing relief and it drew a crowd you would be charged with attempted murder. 

Recently, we received a letter under our gate.  It was from the LC1, Local chairman of our area.  He had been given permission by the government to gather food and soap for those who were in the most need down in the slums.  His letter was requesting those who were able to give donations towards helping those less fortunate.  We were more then glad to help. 

Ugandan has began lifting some of the restrictions. One of them is the use of vehicles and public transport.  We pray that this will help some of those who have been struggling to provide for their families but we also pray for health and safety as Covid cases are rapidly increasing.  It is mandatory by law to social distance and to wear a mask when in public.  Since the easing of restrictions this has been very hard to enforce and just today, there were riots in Kampala, along the same lines as the riots happening in the USA and around the world.  We are praying that these gatherings will not lead to more sickness or another total lockdown.

The month also has much to celebrate as Luke turned 10 years old and Laylee turned 9 years old.  We were not able to have a party or to go out anywhere but they enjoyed all the messages and facetime calls they received.  I cant believe I now have a son who is in double digits!

Thank you for praying for our family and for the ministry in Uganda.

In Him,

Brian, Jill,

Luke, Laylee,

and Liana

PRAYER REQUESTS

Thank you for praying for the  Kanyikes during their time of lockdown

Praise the Lord for the provision to help those who are suffering.

Pray for the World during this time of Covid 19.  Pray for many people to turn to the Lord during this time.

Pray for the Kanyike family to continue to know how to  best minister  to the church and community during this time.

Pray for the people of Uganda to be safe from all the calamaties that seem to be happening :Covid, flood, locusts, hunger, Ebola, and riots

Pray for Brian as pastors and leads the ministry team at Arise Christian Fellowship.

Please prayerfully consider becoming part of the Kanyike Family support team.

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Come, my people, enter your chambers, And shut your doors behind you; Hide yourself, as it were, for a little moment, Until the indignation is past.                                                               —Isaiah 26:20

Dear Friends and Family:

“Its not about convenience, its about survival”

This has been a quote we have heard often over the last couple of weeks from President Museveni, the president of Uganda.  As I write this the country has been in lockdown for almost 2 months.  I know that most of the world is currently abiding by stay at home orders.  While I believe there is hardships everywhere because of these orders, countries like Uganda are really struggling.  In Uganda, many people, especially in the cities, live hand to mouth.  This means that they normally work a day, earn money for that day and feed their family for that day.  After this amount of time in lockdown people are starving.  Families are desperate and there has been much violence, especially within families. 

The president has arranged task forces to distribute food but because of corruption and the amount of people who need to be helped, many people are starving.  One of the things that has added to this situation is that the president does not want people distributing foods in such a way that a crowd gathers.  He was so serious that he said if you were found causing a crowd of more then 10 to gather you would be charged with attempted murder. This threat has hindered those who would like to help from actually helping.  Another factor that has made helping people hard is that our lockdown includes no public or private vehicles.  Anywhere you go you must go on foot or a bicycle and until recently you could only go between 7am and 2:30pm, though now it has been extended to 5pm.

As a pastor, Brian is on the phone a lot.  During this time it has been non stop.  So many people are suffering and calling for help and prayer.  It seems every person we have ever met anywhere in Uganda has called for assistance during this time.  We knew we had to try to do something to help  but in away that no one would get in to trouble. 

After attending an online prayer meeting with my home church we found out that they had began a Covid relief  fund.  They asked us if we knew anyone who needed help and we explained to them the situation here.  With in a couple of days we had the funds we needed to try to begin to help those who were in the most need around us.  While we worked on finding away to safely reach those from Arise Christian Fellowship that live deeper in the slums, we began by reaching those who live much closer and could come receive from us in small groups.

As I have said, it is illegal to cause a group to gather and punishable as attempted murder Because of this we had to get creative with distribution. Essentially we ended up doing 4 distributions. The first  for those near us who could come pick up. The second distribution we borrowed a kiosk from a church member and called individual families to come and pick their food and supplies so that  it looked like they were just shopping. The 3rd distribution happened in the market place.   Many of Arise Christian fellowship church members work in the market in some way or another so this was a good way to reach them. After the market we then had some of the market  guys help make home deliveries to the families in need that were deeper in the slums.

Each family that received could not stop expressing their thankfulness. Some had been eating just once a day and for some not even that often.   We are so thankful for the Lord’s provision through our brothers and sisters at Calvary Chapel Saving Grace who raised the funds to help these people, over 150 families were helped. We are also very thankful that each distribution went smoothly and no groups gathered.

The president has extended the lockdown another 2 weeks at least.  Please be praying that if possible we may be able to help others who are suffering during this time, not just with food but with the hope of eternal life in Jesus Christ.  Besides this lock down other things are taking place that are causing even more suffering.  For the second time this year the country’s crops are being ravaged by locusts.  Also Lake Victoria is at the highest levels ever recorded.  This is causing mass flooding and many people have lost their homes and belongings.

Thank you for praying for our family and for the people of Uganda!

In Him, Brian, Jill, Luke, Laylee, and Liana    

PRAYER REQUESTS

· Thank you for praying for the  Kanyikes during their time of lockdown

· Praise the Lord for the provision to help those who are suffering.

· Pray for the World during this time of Covid 19.  Pray for many people to turn to the Lord during this time.

· Pray for the Kanyike family as they figure out how to best minister  to the church and community during this time.

· Pray for the people of Uganda who normally live day to day and now can not work and so can not provide for their families..

· Pray for Brian as pastors and leads the ministry team at Arise Christian Fellowship.

· Please prayerfully consider becoming part of the Kanyike Family support team.

Come, my people, enter your chambers, And shut your doors behind you; Hide yourself, as it were, for a little moment, Until the indignation is past.   

Stay Home and Stay Safe!

This is a saying we have all heard multiple times over the last couple of months as the world has faced the Covid—19 pandemic.  What I found comfort in is that while this is the first time that for me to go thru something like this it is not the first time for God and as always He has been with His people thru it.

Recently, someone posted, “I didn’t expect that when we change our clocks earlier this year that we were changing them from standard time to the Twilight Zone”.  I wholeheartedly agree. As most of you know when the Covid crisis began our family was in the States for my dad’s funeral.  At that time I wasn’t really aware of what was happening in the world.  I was caught up in my own grief and in spending time cleaning out my dad’s house going through over 100 years of memories,  That in and of itself was surreal. The memories flooding back that I didn’t even know I had forgotten and the new things I discovered and learned about my family. 

When we had finished my dad’s house and said goodbye to my family we headed to California.  Our purpose in going was to visit my home church and many of our supporters.  Our first stop though when we reached California was Disneyland.  After all the sadness and stress, we felt the kids (and us) needed to go to the happiest place on earth.  Again Disneyland is far from reality.  We were in another world unaware what else was happening in the real world. 

After Disney we went to stay with someone from my church, a wonderful woman named Denise.  It was there that we first heard about how serious the virus was becoming.  At church people were greeting each other verbally or with an elbow bump but hugs were far and few between as people were beginning to practice social distancing.  We were meant to have 3 weeks at my church, visiting supporters and having opportunities to update people on the ministry in Uganda.  That time was not meant to be.  Things got serious very quickly and before we even really begin to comprehend what was happening we could no longer go to church, meet in large groups, go out to eat and the stores were almost empty. 

With everything closing down after much prayer and confirmation from others, we made the decision to return to Uganda earlier then expected.  One of the last things we were able to do was to see our “oldest daughter”, Amina and our new “grandson”, Xavier.  Though  our time was short I am thankful for the friends and church family we were able to see.

Returning to Uganda was another twilight zone experience.  As soon as we exited the plane we had to go through a medical check.  We passed the check but because we had come from the USA our passports were taken and we were taken to a government authorized hotel for 14 days of institutional quarantine.  We were blessed with our hotel and room though, it was pretty big and had a beautiful view.  I believe they had mercy on us because of the children. We heard horror stories from others who were taken to different hotels.

During the quarantine we were not allowed to leave our room.   Everyday a health team, accompanied by a soldier, would come, ask us questions and take our temperatures.  We prayed a lot, for ourselves, that we would not get sick and for the world that this virus would be overcome.  If you registered a temperature they would take you from quarantine to an isolation facility in a hospital.  I had nightmares of being separated from my family and of my children being taken from me. These bad dreams led us to even more times of prayer. 

While at times it was hard being 5 people in one room for so long, we managed to keep ourselves busy.  Everyday we did school with the kids. It was good to catchup and review some of the areas the kids struggled with as well as learning some new things.  Besides school I tried to get the kids to burn energy by playing kids dance videos and Laylee’s ballet teacher sent video classes. We watched church online as well as  Brian leading church for us with the kids being our worship team. We stayed in contact with the outside world via Messenger and What’s app. At the end we were all tested for the Covid virus and spent an extra 2 nights in quarantine as we waited for our results. We praise God that all our test results came back normal and we were given discharge papers to go home.

Though we are home now the country is on lockdown.  No personal vehicles are allowed at all. There is a 2 pm curfew for cargo and delivery vehicles and 7pm curfew for people on foot.  Everything is closed except for food markets and hospitals. Brian has been in contact with church members over the phone and internet as often as he can.  We have managed to get food to those members who normally live day by day and are really suffering during this lockdown.  We are very thankful that up to this point there have been relatively few cases of the virus in     Uganda.  We pray it stops there,

Thank you for praying for our family and for the ministry in Uganda.  We are praying for all of you as well.

In Him,

Brian, Jill,

Luke, Laylee, and Liana

PRAYER REQUESTS

· Thank you for praying for the  Kanyikes during their time of quarantine.

· Pray for the World during this time of Covid 19.  Pray for many people to turn to the Lord during this time.

· Pray for the Kanyike family as they figure out how to best minister  to the church and community during this time.

· Pray for the people of Uganda who normally live day to day and now can not work and so can not provide for their families.

· Pray for Brian as pastors and leads the ministry team at Arise Christian Fellowship now from home and over the phone.

· Please prayerfully consider becoming part of the Kanyike Family support team.

The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.—Job 1:21

Dear Friends and Family,

This past season has been a bit of a difficult time for our family. With in a short period of time 2 of our beloved dogs passed away: one from cancer and one from an unexpected accident.  One week later our house was robbed, which according to the police most likely was someone who works with us and we have trusted.  Shortly after these incidents the hardest hit of all arrived when we got the phone call that my dad had passed away.

Below is his obituary:
Gary William Wiencke, age 81, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at Autumn Aegis Retirement Community in Lorain, Ohio. He was born August 23, 1938 to Ellsworth and Gladys (nee Pember) Wiencke in Elyria, Ohio. He graduated in 1956 from Berlin Heights High School and came to Lorain in 1957. From 1956 to 1962, he was part of the Army Reserves, obtaining the rank of Corporal. He worked for American Ship Building from 1956 until 1959 and had various other positions for companies such as Great Lakes Towing, Ripple Motors and Lee Wilson Engineering. Gary was also the owner and operator of Quik as a Wink carpet cleaning in Lorain for 35 years, retiring in 2008. He was member of the former First Congregational United Church of Christ in Lorain and a member of Community Congregational United Church of Christ in Amherst. Gary enjoyed hunting, fishing and reading. Surviving are his daughters, Julie Bober of Sheffield Village, Jenny (Tim) Riddle of Cornell, Illinois, Jan (Chris) Bailey of Elyria and Jill (Brian) Kanyike of Uganda, Africa; grandchildren, Dean Aaron, David, Jesse, Rafe, Lillian, Luke, Laylee and Liana; great-grandchildren, Cole, Logan and Olivia; a brother, Chris Wiencke; and a sister, Mary Sartor. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Phyllis “Susie” (nee Bohn) Wiencke in 2018 .

We would like to thank all of you who made it possible to return for my dad’s funeral and who have sent kind messages of condolence or flowers.

On a happier note… Before coming to the states for my dad’s funeral Calvary Chapel Fort Portal asked us to help them host a youth camp.  Their church has a youth outreach program called, The Lighthouse Club.  The club is designed to disciple teens and young adults while also providing fellowship and a safe place to have fun.

The theme of the conference was “Christlikeness”.  The topics covered were: Evangelism, Salvation, Baptism, Purity, Self Presentation and Vision for the Future.  Our team from Arise Christian Fellowship was asked to lead worship, to help with the mentoring, coaching, as well as to teach the youth how to boldly talk about their faith to their peers in school. It was a  pretty full day, starting at 6.30 am going up till 7 pm in the evening. We started off with a short time of worship and Evelyn, our worship leader, shared a short devotion from 1 Samuel 3 about when God called Samuel. She told the youth that they are never too young to be called and used by God.  There is quite the misconception by many in Uganda that you can not be called into ministry unless you are married, so for many of the youth the idea that they can already be used by God and be active in the ministry is a new concept.

After the main teachings the youth were divided into different groups to talk about and try to apply what they had learned. Some of the worship team members were coaches, two of the team were judges, also helping as counselors for the kids along with the Youth Camp team organized by Calvary Chapel Fort Portal. By the end of the day, the youth had become like little brothers and sisters, as we had gone through a rather intense day of ministry with them, from devotions, to having them watch videos of the Way of the Master, to giving them an in depth study on the meaning of the great commission, to taking them through their personal presentations of the gospel . We saw quite a few of them admit to sin and conviction, even saw some tears, while others stepped up to the challenge  of the personal presentations with confidence. For us the most important part was seeing them understand what they had been taught and seeing them bond with each other, that made the whole day. I am also blessed by all our worship team learned and their own personal growth through participating in this youth camp. They are usually called to lead worship and train other worship teams, so this was a bit out of their normal realm of ministry but all the same God used them and they were happy to  join in the other aspects of the youth camp and to play a part in these youths lives.

Thank you for praying for our family and for the ministry in Uganda.

                          In Him,

                          Brian, Jill,

                          Luke, Laylee,

                          and Liana

PRAYER REQUESTS

• Praise the Lord for the ministries taking place in Uganda and South Sudan
• Pray for Jill’s family as they mourn the loss of her father and as they try to close up his house.
• Pray for the Kanyikes to raise the funds they need to cover what was lost in the robbery as well as their trip to the USA for the funeral.
• Pray for Arise Christian Fellowship while the Kanyikes are away. Pray for those who will be teaching and for the congregation to remain strong.
• Pray for those who attended the youth camp. Pray they grow stronger in their personal relationships with Christ as well in their desire to share Christ with others.
• Pray for Brian as pastors and leads the ministry team at Arise Christian Fellowship.
• Please prayerfully consider becoming part of the Kanyike Family support team.